Looking Forward to Global Pouch Forum

This year’s Global Pouch Forum promises to be great. The organizers of this year’s event have pulled together a stellar lineup. I’m looking forward to learning from this year’s presenters and meeting face-to-face with attendees later this month in Clearwater, Florida.

While I’m excited about the opportunity to forge new relationships at GPF, I thought this would be a good space to reflect on some of the relationships that I’ve already established.

Kevin Kelly of Emerald Packaging will be presenting an Innovation Spotlight on “PCR Resin Use in Potato Bag Packaging.”

I have met Kevin in person at prior industry events. He is obviously passionate about sustainability in packaging, as evidenced by Emerald becoming the first flexible plastic manufacturer to join the U.S. Flexible Film Initiative.

Also, after Emerald Packaging made headlines by partnering with Idaho Package, Wada Farms and Walmart to introduce the first 30% food contact Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) bag for the potato category, Kevin sat down with me and discussed the sometimes bumpy road to this triumph. That interview can be found here.

Another presenter at GPF will be Rodrigo Castaneda of TIPA Compostable Packaging, who will be presenting a Converter’s Perspective on “Convenience and On-the-Go — Why Compostable Packaging is the Solution.”

Daphna Nissenbaum’s contribution to our 2026 Industry Outlook Series is one of Packaging Strategies’ most-read articles. Background: Cemile Bingol / DigitalVision Vectors via Getty Images Plus. Headshot: Courtesy of TIPA Compostable Packaging

While I have never met Rodrigo, TIPA CEO and Co-Founder Daphna Nissenbaum has been a regular contributor to Packaging Strategies, and she has no peer when it comes to extolling the virtues of compostable flexible packaging. The article on compostable packaging that Daphna contributed to our 2026 Industry Outlook Series is one of our most popular articles, and it can be found here.

Last but not least: I would be remiss not to mention Dan Felton, President & CEO of the Flexible Packaging Association, who will update everybody on “The State of Flexible Packaging” during the General Session of GPF.

I was a fledgling packaging reporter back when Dan was still with AMERIPEN. Despite his busy schedule, Dan would make time to participate in one-on-one Zoom meetings to discuss some of the latest developments in packaging policy. His eventual move to FPA was not surprising given the breadth of his experience, knowledge, and insights.

In summary: I’m looking forward to seeing old friends and making new ones at this year’s Global Pouch Forum.